'Place in the Woods'

Construction begins next week on "Place in the Woods," one of two pieces of public art to be installed in Renaissance Park.

Designed by Florida artists Robert Stackhouse and Carol Mickett, the bronze and brass sculpture will be 28 feet long, 14 feet high and 14 feet wide. Its shape will create a semi-enclosed space through which visitors may walk or sit on a specially designed bench. The sculpture will cast unusual shadows of light during the day and features internal illumination at night.

The sculptors said their intention was to "create a sense of place where the observer could become a participant with the art." Also, this project provides local artists Jan Chenoweth, Roger Halligan and Isaac Duncan with an opportunity to assist in the creation of the final product.

Visitors are invited to observe the progress of "Place in the Woods" in Renaissance Park or follow the artists' blog on the Hunter Museum of American Art's Web site, www.huntermuseum.org.

The sculpture is part of the Art in Public Places Program, a partnership between Benwood Foundation and Hunter Museum.